VA Launches Personalized Health Benefits Handbook

I know what you’re thinking – “a handbook?” Yep. Veterans enrolled in the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have begun to receive personalized booklets that explain their health care benefits as well as other useful information.

The new booklet, called a Health Benefits Handbook, will provide a personalized listing of health benefits based on each Veteran’s specific eligibility.

According to the release, the handbook will also have contact information for their local VA medical facilities, appointment scheduling information, guidelines for communicating with their clinical team and information about copays, if applicable.

Distribution of the handbooks began in February, with all 8.5 million Veterans enrolled in VA’s health care system scheduled to receive their handbooks by 2013. Veterans will receive updates to their handbook to reflect changes to their benefits or eligibility.

While the intention is good, the VA should embrace VAPP – the mobile and web-app that matches veterans to the right benefits and services based on their location and profile…a handbook is a bit old school – but hey, we’ll give them a salute for good intentions.

For more information about the Health Benefits Handbook, visit http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhbh or call VA’s toll-free number at 1-877-222-VETS (8387).